Which principle of design is characterized by leading the viewer's eye through a piece of artwork?

The principle of design characterized by leading the viewer's eye through a piece of artwork is movement. This principle focuses on how elements within the artwork are arranged to guide the viewer's gaze in a particular direction or to create a sense of action. Artists utilize various compositional techniques—such as lines, shapes, colors, and forms—to establish pathways within the artwork that can evoke a visual rhythm or flow.

Movement can be achieved through the careful placement of elements, the use of directional lines, and the repetition of forms or colors that draw the viewer's attention in a specific direction. This principle is crucial in helping to create a narrative or to highlight particular focal points within the piece, thus enhancing the overall experience of the artwork.

In contrast, emphasis pertains to creating a focal point or area of interest in a piece, unity refers to the cohesiveness and harmony within an artwork, and balance involves distributing visual weight to create stability in composition. While these principles are important in their own right, they do not specifically involve guiding the viewer's eye in the way that movement does.